Fin apparatus for enhancing heat transfer surfaces

ABSTRACT

A system includes a fin apparatus that is installed on a heat transfer medium pipe using thermally conductive mastic (heat transfer compound) and bands for holding the components in place. The system further includes a tank containing material of high viscosity, primarily Polymer Modified or Ground Tire Rubber Asphalts (PMAs and GTRs), that requires heating. The fin apparatus increases the surface area of the heat transfer medium piping and increases the effectiveness of the heat transfer that takes place between the medium and the high viscosity material. There is a need for the fin apparatus because to date, traditional fin designs are prone to fouling and decreased performance when used with high viscosity materials like PMAs and GTRs.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to facilitating heat transfer between one material and another. Primarily this invention facilitates heat transfer between a liquid or vapor medium and a process material with high viscosity.

Facilities that handle high viscosity materials generally store them in heated tanks to lower their viscosity and make them more manageable to pump, agitate, or transport. Tank heating is a regular process in the asphalt manufacturing industry, usually done with internal pipe coils that circulate a hot oil or steam, due to asphalt's high viscosity at temperatures below 200 degrees Fahrenheit. The coils are usually constructed with steel pipes that have steel fins welded to them in a spiral or longitudinal fashion, or increasingly with steel pipes that have extruded longitudinal aluminum fins installed on them in a non-permanent, modular fashion. The addition of fins increases the area and heat transfer effectiveness of the pipe, reducing the overall length of pipe required and associated costs to build and operate. Coil solutions of this nature have long been appropriate for most grades and types of asphalts but are prone to fouling and poor performance in service with newer Polymer Modified Asphalts (PMAs) and Ground Tire Rubber Asphalts (GTRs) that have even higher viscosity and contain suspended particulates. This is generally because the fins are too close together and generate overlapping boundary layers when used with high viscosity materials, causing increased fluid residence time between fins that leads to overheating and fouling. Spreading the fins out further or decreasing their height to prevent fouling causes them to have only slightly better performance than bare pipe, so the value proposition for fins diminishes. Therefore, coils for PMA and GTR service often use bare pipe and cannot take advantage of the performance benefits afforded by finned surfaces of traditional design.

Needs exist for a finned coil apparatus that is appropriate for service in high viscosity, particulate containing processes like PMAs and GTRs. These needs and others are addressed by one or more aspects of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in, the context of steam tracing for a pipe for a facility, the present invention is not limited to use only in this context, as will become apparent from the following summaries and detailed descriptions of aspects, features, and one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention relates to a system comprising a heating medium pipe; a fin apparatus secured to the pipe via a plurality of spaced securing bands, the fin apparatus comprising an extended fin surface and a portion of the apparatus at the base of the fin that is contoured to well fit the outer circumference of the pipe; a thermally conductive mastic (heat transfer compound) between the contoured portion of the fin apparatus and the pipe, so as to displace air between the pipe and fin apparatus and promote conductive heat transfer between them; a process in contact with the finned apparatus which heat is being convectively transferred to from the finned apparatus surface; wherein the fin surface profile has a “waved”, repeating pattern between the fin base and the fin tip.

In a feature of this aspect, the heating medium pipe comprises a steel pipe

In a feature of this aspect, the heating medium comprises a liquid oil heat transfer medium.

In a feature of this aspect, the spaced securing bands comprise stainless steel securing bands

In a feature of this aspect, the finned apparatus comprises aluminum

In a feature of this aspect, the profile of the fin surface comprises a waveform

In a feature of this aspect, the process comprises modified asphalt

In a feature of this aspect, the portion of the apparatus at the base of the fin is contoured to fit a 2-inch NPS pipe

Another aspect relates to a system comprising a heating medium pipe; a fin apparatus secured to the pipe via a plurality of spaced securing bands, the fin apparatus comprising an extended fin surface and a portion of the apparatus at the base of the fin that is contoured to well fit the outer circumference of the pipe; a thermally conductive mastic (heat transfer compound) between the contoured portion of the fin apparatus and the pipe, so as to displace air between the pipe and fin apparatus and promote conductive heat transfer between them; a process in contact with the finned apparatus which heat is being convectively transferred to from the finned apparatus surface; wherein the fin surface profile is linear between the fin base and the fin tip.

Another aspect relates to a system comprising a heating medium pipe; a fin apparatus secured to the pipe via a plurality of spaced securing bands, the fin apparatus comprising an extended fin surface and a portion of the apparatus at the base of the fin that is contoured to well fit the outer circumference of the pipe; a thermally conductive mastic (heat transfer compound) between the contoured portion of the fin apparatus and the pipe, so as to displace air between the pipe and fin apparatus and promote conductive heat transfer between them; a process in contact with the finned apparatus which heat is being convectively transferred to from the finned apparatus surface; wherein the fin surface profile is generally of triangular shape.

Another aspect relates to a system comprising a heating medium pipe; a fin apparatus secured to the pipe via a plurality of spaced securing bands, the fin apparatus comprising an extended fin surface and a portion of the apparatus at the base of the fin that is contoured to well fit the outer circumference of the pipe; a thermally conductive mastic (heat transfer compound) between the contoured portion of the fin apparatus and the pipe, so as to displace air between the pipe and fin apparatus and promote conductive heat transfer between them; a process in contact with the finned apparatus which heat is being convectively transferred to from the finned apparatus surface; wherein the fin surface profile is generally of triangular shape having parabolic form between the fin base and tip.

Another aspect relates to a system comprising a heating medium pipe; a fin apparatus secured to the pipe via a plurality of spaced securing bands, the fin apparatus comprising an extended fin surface and a portion of the apparatus at the base of the fin that is contoured to well fit the outer circumference of the pipe; a thermally conductive mastic (heat transfer compound) between the contoured portion of the fin apparatus and the pipe, so as to displace air between the pipe and fin apparatus and promote conductive heat transfer between them; a process in contact with the finned apparatus which heat is being convectively transferred to from the finned apparatus surface; wherein the fin surface profile is generally of rectangular shape.

Another aspect relates to a fin apparatus which comprises a fin extended surface, and a portion at the base of the fin that is contoured to well fit a flat surface.

Another aspect relates to a method of installing a fin apparatus

Another aspect relates to a method of making a fin apparatus

In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of the present invention, it should be noted that the present invention further encompasses the various possible combinations and sub combinations of such aspects and features. Thus, for example, any aspect may be combined with an aforementioned feature in accordance with the present invention without requiring any other aspect or feature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more preferred embodiments of the present invention now will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same elements are referred to with the same reference numerals, and wherein,

FIG. 1 illustrates a profile view of an extruded aluminum fin apparatus in accordance with one or more preferred implementations;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an extruded aluminum fin apparatus in accordance with one or more preferred implementations;

FIGS. 3-4 illustrate perspective views of exemplary systems utilizing the fin apparatus in accordance with one or more preferred implementations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the present invention has broad utility and application. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the invention and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above disclosed aspects of the invention and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive.

Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the appended claims rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.

Regarding applicability of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), no claim element is intended to be read in accordance with this statutory provision unless the explicit phrase “means for” or “step for” is actually used in such claim element, whereupon this statutory provision is intended to apply in the interpretation of such claim element.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having at least one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” In contrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes “a picnic basket having only one apple.”

When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese without crackers”, “a picnic basket having crackers without cheese”, and “a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well as describes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese.”

Referring now to the drawings, one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention are next described. The following description of one or more preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its implementations, or uses.

FIG. 1 is a profile view illustrating an extruded aluminum fin apparatus 101 in accordance with one or more of the preferred implementations. The fin apparatus 101 is designed to increase the area and heat transfer effectiveness of heat transfer surfaces, such as pipes or tubes, in applications for heating high viscosity materials like Polymer Modified and Ground Tire Rubber Asphalts (PMAs & GTRs).

In accordance with one or more preferred implementations, the extended fin surface 102 in FIG. 1 is shown to have a wave patterned profile to further increase its surface area without generating spaces that high viscosity fluids may become trapped, extending the residence time of any particular volume of fluid and increasing the likelihood of overheating and fouling the fin surface. The waved profile also functions to prevent formation of thick fluid boundary layers on the fin surface by disrupting laminar flow paths and turbulating the fluid as it convects across the surface of the fin.

In accordance with one or more preferred implementations, the extended fin surface 102 in FIG. 1 may have a profile of different wave form pattern than shown, or no wave form pattern and instead be smooth and linear or parabolic in nature.

In accordance with one or more preferred implementations, the fin apparatus can be made in various dimensions to accommodate and system, style, or size. In accordance with one or more preferred implementations, the contoured surface 103 in FIG. 1 is illustrated to well fit the circumference of a 2-in NPS pipe.

In accordance with one or more preferred implementations, the fin apparatus comprises aluminum, although other materials may be utilized in one or more other implementations.

In accordance with one or more preferred implementations, the fin apparatus is manufactured through the extrusion process, although other processes may be utilized to produce the apparatus in one or more other implementations.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of how the fin apparatus can be installed on a round pipe 305. In accordance with one or more preferred implementations thermally conductive mastic (Heat Transfer Compound) 306 is applied to contoured surface 303 to displace air gaps between the surfaces and promote conductive heat transfer from the pipe to the fin apparatus.

FIG. 4 illustrates two perspective views for how the fin apparatus can be installed in a “bank” configuration, where a plurality of pipes is arranged in a serpentine fashion.

In accordance with one or more preferred implementations, the pipes can be arranged such that the fin apparatus on adjacent rows are staggered or in-line.

It will be appreciated that FIGS. 3 and 4 represent perspective views of exemplary systems utilizing the fin apparatus in accordance with one or more preferred implementations.

Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements, the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof. 

1. A system comprising: a. A heat transfer medium pipe; b. A fin apparatus secured to the pipe via a plurality of spaced securing bands, the fin apparatus comprising i. An extended fin surface, and ii. A portion at the base of the fin contoured to well fit the heat transfer medium pipe; c. Thermally conductive mastic (heat transfer compound) between the contoured base of the fin apparatus and heat transfer medium pipe to promote conductive heat transfer between the pipe and fin apparatus; d. A viscous material (process) in contact with the fin apparatus e. Wherein, so as to maximize surface area and promote convective heat transfer, the fin surface profile has a wave patterned profile between the fin base and the fin tip. 2-35. (canceled) 